Review | Rescue at Lake Wild

Summary: Rescue at Lake Wild

Madi and her friends Jack and Aaron make a rescue at Lake Wild, saving two beaver kits, but they have a problem. Madi’s parents have said she cannot bring home any more strays. In fact, if she does, she’ll lose her trip to see acclaimed primatologist Jane Goodall. But neither Aaron nor Jack can take in the kits and their local shelter is full. Besides, the kids find that the kits’ parents have been shot dead. Madi takes them, hiding them in a shed on her parents’ property until she can figure out her next steps.

As she cares for the beavers, more adult beavers turn up shot dead. So Madi and her friends also need to figure out who is killing the beavers and why — all the while making sure her parents never figure out that she’s housing, feeding and bathing two beaver kits under their noses. Can Madi and the gang do it all?

The Good

Confession: I like animals just fine, but I can do without reading about them. However, this book is so delightful. It was so well written and drew me in beaver kits and all. I really liked Madi. She’s bright-eyed, passionate, and not afraid to get muddy while trying to rescue any animal in sight. She doesn’t always do the right thing, but who does? I also loved her friendship with the boys — and as much as I like crushes, whenever I read a middle grade book where kids just hang out as friends, there’s an irreplaceable sweetness about it.

I learned a lot about beavers and caring for lost animals in general, all delivered in an engaging manner. Madi teaches kids a lot about being an animal whisperer, which she learned from her grandmother, a renowned rehabber. Although the focus is on caring for the kits, there’s also a soft mystery about finding the beaver shooter since the town is struggling with flooding, thanks to beaver dams. We also see Madi’s home life (absent parents, a typical teen sister) and watch the family find a way to restore their connection.

Overall: Rescue at Lake Wild

Rescue at Lake Wild is a sweet, entertaining, and informative book about rescuing animals, caring for beavers, and advocating for the environment. Animal-loving kids will gobble this short book up in no time. With a likable protagonist and a funny group of friends who love nature and the outdoors, this book will be a perfect summer companion! I highly recommend it and look forward to reading more of Johnson’s books.

Buy This Book

I received an eARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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I’m diving into more Terry Lynn Johnson books. Which one is your favorite? I hear good things about Dogsled.